A memorable milestone in your child’s development is when they lose their first baby tooth. Typically this isn’t painful, and kids are often quite fascinated by the process. To prepare for this exciting time, the kids’ dentist at Keiki Dental in Ewa Beach, HI, suggests the following ways to help your child with their first loose tooth.

What to Do With Loose Baby Teeth

Be Aware of Your Kid’s Teeth

Children’s teeth start to fall out at around age 6, usually in the order that they came in, according to the American Dental Association. Your child may not notice a loose tooth at first, so pay attention to the state of their teeth and ask your child to check as well. Also explain the naturally occurring process of losing baby teeth to them.

Encourage your child to gently wiggle a loose tooth to help it fall out faster. A new permanent tooth should start forming soon after, though it make take a few months to fully come in. Your kids’ dentist can advise you on the timeline of teeth development.

Once the Tooth Is Out

When the tooth comes out, prepare a warm water gargle for your child. Gargling will rinse out any blood and the area where the tooth came out. Your child needs to continue good oral hygiene and healthy eating habits as their permanent teeth begin to come in. Instruct your child to brush gently around the missing tooth. Then you can celebrate that first tooth loss as a sign your child is growing up. This process will continue until the last baby teeth fall out at age 12 or 13. 

Losing baby teeth is a natural part of growing up. If you have concerns about loose teeth or adult teeth coming in, see the kids’ dentist at Keiki Dental. This full service children’s dentist offers general pediatric dentistry, oral hygiene, and three methods of dental sedation in a welcoming, kid-friendly environment. Call (808) 680-9411 to make an appointment with a kids’ dentist, or visit the website to learn more about their services.